gifford



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. J GIFFORD SELF PROPBLLING SLED.

Patented 001. 13, 1891.

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. GIPFORD.

VSELF lROPBLLING SLED. 110.461,112. Patented 001. 13,1891.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN GIFFORD, OF VATERTOVN, NEV YORK, ASSIGNOR TO TIIE GIFFORD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

SELF-PROPELLING SLED.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 461,112, dated October 13, 1891.

Application filed July 9, 1891. Serial No. 398,890. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN GIFFORD, a resident of Vatertown, county of Jefferson, and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Self-Propelling Sleds, which improvement is fully set forth in the following specification.

This invention relates to the construction of sleds provided with means whereby the ro same may be propelled by the rider over the surface of the ice or snow.

Prior to my invention sleds have been provided with propelling means of various descriptions. For example, an endless band has l5 been arranged lengthwise of the sled and provided with two pivoted dogs, adapted to catch in the surface of the ice or snow when the band moves backward, and thus urge the sled forward. The band was driven by means of a pinion actuated by two sliding racks adapted to turn the driving-pinion first in one direction and then in the other.

The object of the present invention is principally to improve the actuating mechanism, so as to produce a continuous action and uniform motion of the sled, and also to make the work of propulsion easier to the rider. The invention alsoincludes improved steering and brake mechanism.

The improvements may be most conveniently described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure I is a top plan view of the improved sled; Fig. II, a side elevation; Fig. III, a detail showing a bottom view of the slides, chains, and dogs on one side of the sled; and Fig. IV a cross-section of one of the slides and slide-rails.

A represents the runners, and B the uprights by which the seat C is supported. On each side of the sled are four horizontal rails 1 2 3 et, bolted togetherat their ends. These rails act as guide-rails for the slides D and E, there being two slides on each side of the sled. Slide D works between the rails l and 2 and slide E between the rails 3 and 4. These slides have top flanges d and bottom flanges b, which bear against the upper and lower sides of the rails, so that large bearingsurface is provided.

The operating hand-levers F are pivoted on the bolts f, which fasten the guide-rails together at their forward ends, and are connected by links G with the outside slides E, which are thus driven in both directions directly from levers F. The inner slidesD are connected with the outer slides by chains d. and e. Chain d passes from the under side of slide D around a sheave H at the front end of the sled and thence back to the slide E. 6o Chain e passes around a similar sheave I at the rear of the frame and is fastened at its ends to the two slides'I) and E, which thus move in opposite directions. To the said slides are pivoted dogs G', armed at their 65 lower ends with teeth t, which bite into the surface of the snow or ice when the slide is moved back (thus urging the sled forward) and slip over the surface when the slide returns. The driving-gear on one side is inde- 7.o pendent of that on the other, and the rider can work the two hand-levers in the same direction or in reverse directions, or can use one alone for the purpose of assisting the steering mechanism in making a sharp turn.

The steering device or skate K is swiveled on a pin 7c, so that it can be turned by the foot on a horizontal axis and thus guide the sled in either direction. The pin 7c hasaiattened lower end which is pivoted on a pin Z, Se so as to turn vertically in a curved metal frame or support L. The pivots 7c and Z constitute a universal joint. 'lhe steel guiding runner 71 of the skate terminates at its rear end in a sharp horn m, which, by depressing the heel and turning the skate on its horizontal axis Z, can be pressed into the surface over which the sled moves with greater or less force, so as to regulate its speedor to arrest its motion entirely.

'lhis combined steering and brake mechanism is particularly useful in coasting.

The support L of the skate is pivotally at.- tached to the side rails by the bolts f, so that it can be swung up, lifting the skate out of 95 contact with the ground when its use is not required.

, lreserve the right to make inodiiicationsin details which do not depart from the spirit of the invention and to use parts of the inven- Ico tion without others, if desired.

I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Lett-ers Patent- 1. The described propelling-gear for sleds,

comprising, in combination, the slideways on each side of the sled, two slides on each side, connected, as specified, so as to move in opposite directions, a pivoted dog carried by each slide, and actuating-levers each connected with one of said Slides, as set forth.

2. The described propelling-gear compris- I ing, in combination, the following elements on each side of the sled: two slideways, two slides,

neath said nils, the chains connecting said slides and running over sheaves, the dogs plvoted to said slides, and means for reciprocating the slides, substantially as described.

4. The steering and brake mechanism consisting of a skate arranged to turn both vertically and horizontally and provided with a steering-runner and with a pointed heel or horn, substantially as described.

5. The combination of the support pivotally connected with the frame of the sled and theskate mounted on said support so as to turn vertically and horizontally, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

JOI-IN GIFFRD.

Vitnesses:

f'ZELL K. HALL,

W. C. RICH. 

